A Visit To Raindog Bar
A Burger Roundup Takes An Unexpected Turn
I was invited to Raindog Bar after posting the review I did on Billie’s Smash Burgers. I’m on a YYC burger round-up of sorts as I slowly make my way to Class Clown, and after seeing the initial pics of the Raindog burger, there was no question that I was gonna go and try one.
I had the expectations that on trying their burger, I would be thoroughly impressed and I would write up something along the same lines of, “Wow, I was thoroughly impressed by the way this burger was cooked and put together, with all the care for the ingredients and techniques to making a delicious product that delivers on all its promises.”
Boom. Review done. Let’s move on to the next spot. But NO, I’m sitting at the bar with our friends as we wait for a table in this cozy space that reeks of 80’s grandma nostalgia (that’s a good thing), and I begin to leaf through the menu that looks like a ‘zine from back in the day. So far, the vibe here is flirting with my emotions in a good way, as it doesn’t send off that manufactured hipster essence that so many restaurants seem to want to mass-produce. So after ordering a drink, I look more at the menu and realize that this is no mere bar with a good burger. As I begin to contemplate the things that I want to eat from this menu in addition to the aforementioned burger, I also realize that this is not going to be a burger review.
Raindog Bar, whose namesake is an homage to the Tom Waits album from 1985, is a casual neighbourhood bar in Calgary’s Inglewood with a vast and eclectic beer and wine menu, curated by owner Bill Bonar, Alberta’s first certified cicerone. Located right on 9th Ave in the old W.O.P. Space, its entrance leads you up a narrow staircase that opens up into the welcoming embrace of a thrift store chic bathed in the glow of warm lights. On the long wall of banquettes, a portrait of Alan Alda’s iconic MASH character, Hawkeye Pierce adorns the center, surveying the room.
The menu is a collection of small shareable plates that reflect Canadiana through a European lens, serving as the perfect complement to the selection of beer and wine available.
Opening with Malpeque Oysters on the half shell, there’s nothing more to say about these tasty briny bites, complete with housemade hot sauce, mignonette, and shredded horseradish. Served on a bed of chilled bottlecaps, the plating is quite creative and clever.
The Rosti is a lightly modern interpretation, with a good textural variety with notes of smokiness, brine, dill, and savoury. Its duality is represented by a crispy, well-executed duck fat potato rosti base, topped with a light and creamy cod mousse, finished with fresh sprigs of dill and jewels of trout roe.
The Soft Pretzels are fresh, slightly crisp, and fluffy sticks of lightly salted bliss. The Brassica mustard is a wonderful complement to the doughy comfort, and when enveloped with the beer cheese, it’s a complete bite.
Smoked Ham Hock Croquettes are a balanced package of all the wonderful things you love about potatoes. A crispy exterior gives way to a creamy potato filling enhanced with smokiness and savoury notes, rewarding each bite with rich and meaty morsels of smoked ham.
And here we are with the Burger. It’s a classic smash burger, reminiscent of my recent experience at Roy Oh’s Billie’s popup. It has 2 smash patties, Martin’s potato roll, pickles, onions, shrettuce, and special sauce. This is the perfect example of when you take similar components and give them the same level of technique and skill to deliver a product. It was delicious.
Though there are bars that make good, even great burgers, I simply cannot ignore the fact that I had this amazing selection of creative and tasty dishes while we were hanging out with our friends, waiting for our table, and just having a great time. And shouldn’t this be the point of any good concept? Create a nice space where you can hang out, be comfortable with your pals, eat good food, and drink a really good selection of craft beer. It’s a great spot that represents the neighbourhood with that specific kind of vibe you can only experience in Inglewood. Just like Highline Brewing, Swans, Gorilla Whale (RIP), it just reminds me of all the good times I always have in Inglewood, be it after a long day at Crossroads Market, or after a late-night catering event where all I want to do is drink and eat something delicious to satiate my empty stomach. Raindog Bar. Come for the burger, stay for the drinks and the entire menu of delicious food.
Raindog Bar 1214 9 Ave SE
J